This is Gary’s first concert in Australia and in this year’s Summer School we were treated to landmark guitar compositions that have broadened the instrument’s appeal by combining traditional classical guitar technique with more contemporary guitar styles and a rich variety of musical influences from around the world.These included works by Muddarra, Dowland, J.S.Bach, Piazzolla, Antônio Carlos Jobim and of course, five of his own highly crafted compositions his acclaimed solo work, Benga Beat, which was premièred in 2011, Scenes from The Wild West, Lough Caragh, Hot Club Français, Shamal (premiered in 2015) and Generator for guitar duo. Gary Ryan is one of the world’s leading exponents of the guitar and has pursued a highly varied international career as an acclaimed solo performer, composer and teacher. In 2013, he became the first guitarist since John Williams in 1983 to be awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Music in recognition of his contribution to the instrument.